August 12, 2011

A Mean Pork Bulgogi at Koreana

By Jonathan Packer

Today I took a trip to Koreana. Due to the abundance of Korean food in Killeen, I am trying to become a little more of an expert.

The restaurant is tucked away in the corner of a shopping center on Rancier, across the street from Jack in the Box. There are two signs on the main road, one simply says “Korean Barbeque”.

Inside, it is very well shielded from outside brightness and provides a very intimate atmosphere. Since it was 105 degree August afternoon, I was grateful for this.

I ordered the Pork Bulgogi lunch special ($6.99) and a tuna roll ($5.99). With each lunch special you get an abundance of Korean sides (banchan), a choice of steamed or fried rice, and an iced tea.

My favorite thing about Korean food is the banchan. Banchan are small side dishes served along side the main course. I liked that Koreana provided banchan with a $6.99 lunch special. I particularly enojoyed the kimchi.

I was able to order the bulgogi spicy, which I liked, but I think they took it easy on me anyway. Maybe next time I will make a big deal about my ability to handle spice.

The tuna roll was small but made with higher quality tuna than you sometimes get. The flavor was excellent – and how can you go wrong with a side of soy sauce and wasabi?

The next time I go I will have to try to be a little more adventurous than bulgogi and a tuna roll. I may go for dinner and order some barbeque short ribs.

Finally, it is worth mentioning how pleasant the staff was at Koreana. They were polite and attentive, without being overwhelming. I recommend Koreana for anyone who wants to get their feat wet in Korean food, and only wants to spend $10.

Lunch is almost finished